Distributor timing indicator



Dec. 18, 1951 w, U 2,578,817

DISTRIBUTOR TIMING INDICATOR Filed Dec. 19, 1949 2 SHEETS-SHEET lINVENTOR Diamond [(7, Lam

BY mimi/ ATTORNEYS Dec. 18, 1951 1 w LUM 2,578,817

DISTRIBUTOR TIMING INDICATOR Filed Dec. 19, 1949 2 SHEETSSHEET 2 -a0b 31i mum-ma fiiamomd ZU. Lam

ATTORN EYS Patented Dec. 18, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICEDISTRIBUTOR TIMING INDICATOR Diamond W. Lum, Sacramento, Calif.

Application December 19, 1949, Serial No. 133,708

16 Claims. 1

This invention is directed to, and it is an object to provide, a novelsignal device for warning the operator of an internal combustion engine,having an electrical ignition system, when the distributor of the latteris not properly adjusted and is working out-of-time; the invention beingespecially designed, but not limited, for use on motor vehicles.

Another object of the invention is to provide a warning signal, for thepurpose described, which functions when the engine is in operation, andthus gives a warning to the operator immediately when an out-of-timecondition exists or occurs in the distributor, whereby an adjustment maybe made before engine damage or undue waste of fuel results.

An additional object of the invention is to pro- I vide an out-of-timewarning signal which includes one electrically energized indicator onthe instrument panel of the vehicle to warn the operator of improperengine timing; there being another electrically energized indicatoradjacent the distributor adapted for use as an aid to a mechanic inmaking a proper timing adjustment of the distributor.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device whichfacilitates setting of the distributor to a proper position ofadjustment; the latter being indicated by the cessation of operation ofthe out-of-time indicators; the latter preferably being electric signallights whereby the out-oftime warning signal is visual.

It is also an object of the invention to provide an out-of-time warningsignal designed for ease and economy of manufacture and installation.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a practical andreliable out-of-time warning signal, and one which will be exceedinglyeffective for the purpose for which it is designed.

These objects are accomplished by means of such structure and relativearrangement of parts as will fully appear by a perusal of the followingspecification and claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a plan view of a distributor embodying the invention; thedistributor cap being removed, and the parts shown in the positionsoccupied thereby between firing points.

Fig. 2 is a similar view, but shows the parts, in their positions at themoment of firing of the distributor, when the timing adjustment iscorrect.

Fig. 3 is a view as in Fig. 2, but shows the positions of the parts, atthe moment of firing, when the distributor is out-of-time.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary elevation of the distributor showingparticularly the adjustable mount for the contact units of the warningsignal device.

Fig. 5 is a diagram of the signal circuit at the moment of firing of thedistributor when the latter is in-time.

Fig. 6 is a diagram of the signal circuit at the moment of firing oi thedistributor when the latter is out-of-time.

Referring now more particularly to the characters of reference on thedrawings, the invention is embodied in an ignition distributor whichincludes a hollow, distributor body I of rotatably adjustable type; thedistributor having a vacuum responsive control unit 2 associatedtherewith, which unit is connected to a vacuum conduit 3, as isconventional. The vacuum responsive control unit 2 acts to retard andadvance the distributor for low and high engine speeds, respectively.

The distributor shaft 4 extends upwardly through a fixed housing 5axially into the distributor body I and projects through a base plate 6in the body I.

As usual, the distributor shaft 4 is fitted, above the base plate 6,with a cam 7 which works a breaker arm 8, and the latter in turnactuates breaker points 9, one of said points being on the breaker arm 8and the other on a bracket Ill. Additionally, the distributor shaft 4 isfitted, above the cam I, with a distributor rotor l I. numeral 12indicates a condenser mounted on the base plate 6 and connected by alead I3 to an input terminal M. The distributor body I normally has adistributor cap l5 removably secured thereon.

The above described distributor is of generally conventional type, andthe present invention, as applied thereto, is constructed as follows:

A dielectric mounting strip 16 is secured to the bracket 10 and projectstherefrom in a, generally outward direction, being fitted at its outerend with another bracket 11. A separate pair of contact points 18 areprovided between the breaker arm 8 on the side opposite the points 9 andthe bracket ll; said contact points l8 thus being disposed to close eachtime that the breaker points 9 open.

Below the base plate 6 the distributof shaft 4 is fitted with a radialarm-type rotor 19 having a roller 20 on its outer end. A pair ofelongated, leaf-spring type switch units, indicated at 2| and 22, aremounted on a platform 23 exteriorly of the distributor body I andproject from said p1at- The 3 form into said body through acircumferential slot 24.

The switch units 2| and 22 are disposed in adjacent but spaced relationcircumferentially of the body I, and each of said units includes one armthereof projecting into the rotary path of the roller 20, whereby witheach revolution of the rotor [9 the switch units 2| and 22, which arenormallyppen, are successively engaged and closed.

The platform 23 is an integral part of "a bracket 25 attached innormally fixed position exteriorly of the body I by means of a saddleplate 26 secured by screws 21 to the distributorshaft housing 5; thescrews 21 extending through elon gated adjustment slots 28 which permit"the bracket 25, together with the. switch. units .2 l}, to.

is "disposed centrally 'between-the-switch units --2 5 and 22ias shownin-Fig: 2 this beinganin-time position of the distributor, and at whichtime the cam-i1 has actedon" the bracket-"arm 8, opening the'points'iland closing the points 18. In other words, as long as the distributorism-time the roller 20 of the rotor 19 willbe disposed m anintermediate'position'between*the"switch units I 150:; From theforegomgdescriptioniit will bev-readily 2| and 22, as in Fig. 2, when thecorresponding firing point" of'the"cam- T'works the-"breaker armflj'However, if the distributor 'isout-of-timethe rollerf20"of the rotor i9will'be' in closing engage ment Withone or the" other ofthe'switchunits' 2| "or" 22"'as the distributor reaches said "firingpoint,"as"shown in Fig. 3,"and"at which time the contact points'18 aresimultaneouslyclosed upon' opening of the breaker points" 9."

The above'switching arrangement is employed, togive an automatic signalto indicate the out of time condition,by meansiof the circuit'shownin.Fis;j5 and 6. i

The main circuit'lead is indicatedat 3H and extends from the storagebattery 3! to connecw tionwithoneof the contact points [8; such lead30Ijhaving a pair of electric signals 32 and 33 inte'rp'osedparalllbranches 30a" and 30b; The signals..32iand. 33 are preferablylights, with the tributor in-time,=.theroller..2il lies; between-theswitcha-units 2i: andq22, when the corresponding 7 action oftheadistributor occurs, with aresultant; closing of the contact points.1| 8. Thus;

ment that the contact points it close, as hereinbefore described. Whenthis occurs the circuit is completed as contact points i 8 and one ofthe switch units 2i or 22 are closed in series relation to each other,resulting in energization of the circuit and actuation of the signals 32and 33, said signals blinking on and oil as the rotor I9 traverses itspath of movement.

Operation of the signal 32 indicates, to the operatorof the-vehicle,that. the distributor timing is not "correctfand thus afiordsopportunity foradjustment of the distributor before damage occurs, orbefore undue fuel waste results.

The .signalu33pladjacent the distributor is for the purpose ofpermitting the mechanic to have an at-hand indication when thedistributor, under adjustment. .is.:s et,.to correct position; i. e. aslong as the distributor is out-of-time the signals 32 and33 wvillcontinue to blink, but when the adjustment is proper such signals willno longer function. The signalstfiz and eeiareripreferably electricllights, aspreviously indicated; J

The :abovedescribedwvarning: zsignai provide's :a very practical;.andmeliabl'eldevice :for .automati ,cally indicating when :the. ignitiondistributor of ani internal nombustio'n engine-His.not in' properadjustment; the .device astanding .,read-y 1-- at --:Iall:u' times, whenthe engine is runningc toindicate ani outz-ofetime.-condition;-'.

seen :that there has been produced such a de vice: asnjsubstantiallyfulfills the objects ofr theein'Vention, asset forth herein.-

Whilei thisfspecification sets forth" in detail 1 thezpresent andpreferred :construction of the device, still in practice such deviationsirom sueh detail may. bSzIESOltBd to.. as--do not fo'rma departure from.the spirit *of the-invention, asdefined by the appended .claims.

io Having thus described-the invention; thefollo'w even though thecontact points i8 are closed=at L engine is irunning with athedistributor '.out+of.-' timeptheroller 20 "win engage-and close one orthe -other of the-switch units 2 I ior ZZ -at the moingist claimed as.new and useful; 'and-..upon which Letters Patent are desired:-

1. .An :out-of-time signal device: for an internal P combustion. engineincluding E an adj ustableig'ni tion distributor havingdistributor-shaft actu ated breaker points,ianielectricsignal anenergizing:.-circuit for the. signalga switoh' in the ci-rcuit,-- means;responsive: ztojgactuation of the -breaker pointsrarranged to'cclose theswitch; i a -separate-= sig nal 32lon the instrumenti'panelof thevehicle m Circuit;;andimeansactuated-by the? distributor .shaf t:"-arr.anged ito close the separateswitch simultaneously with 'saidfirstnamed-switch only; whennthe' distributor: istoute-ofrtime.

24A isignalw .device;: as: 111;: claim a 1,; including another electric;signal -.in1 the. circuit; 1 thedevice' 2 being mounted r on a .motor'vehicle with one-signaladjacent, the operators stationand: the other 1'signal adj a'cent the: distributor:

3.--.Axsignaldevice; as in claim 1,-mounte'deona motorrvehicie;thesignal being disposed: adjacent 3 gbrea-ke'r' points; an: electricsignal; an energizing circuitfor'the signal; a switch in:thecircuihmeanse responsive to'cactuation of the breaker pointsarranged to close the switchta separate-switchin theucircuitgxand means.actuatedby. the distributor shaft arranged .to closethe separate switchsimul taneouslyrwith "said first named switch only when the distributoris out-of-time; the distributor in eluding a breaker arrm'and said firstna-med switch includingseparate contact points; oneor-" which is mountedon said arm;

awasw 2 5. An out-of-time's'ignal device for an internal combustionengine including an adjustable ignition distributor having distributorshaft actuated breaker points, an electric signal, an energizing circuitfor the signal, a switch in the circuit, means responsive to actuationof the breaker points arranged to close the switch, a separate switch inthe circuit, a rotor on the distributor shaft, and rotor actuated meansarranged to close the separate switch simultaneously with said firstnamed switch only when the distributor is out-of-time.

6. An out-of-time signal device for an internal combustion engineincluding an adjustable ignition distributor having distributor shaftactuated breaker points, an electric signal, an energizing circuit forthe signal, a switch in the circuit, means responsive to actuation ofthe breaker points arranged to close the switch, a separate switch inthe circuit, a rotor on the distributor shaft, and rotor actuated meansarranged to close the separate switch simultaneously with said firstnamed switch only when the distributor is out-of-time; there being anormally fixed support adjacent the distributor, said separate switchbeing mounted on the support, and said other means including anactuating element of the separate switch proj ecting into the path ofthe rotor.

'7. A signal device, as in claim 6, in which said support-mounted switchis adjustable relative to the distributor whereby to dispose saidactuating element at a selective point in said path of the rotor.

8. An out-of-time signal device for an internal combustion engineincluding an adjustable ignition distributor having a driven distributorshaft, a body into which the shaft projects axially, a breaker arm inthe body actuated from the shaft, and breaker points responsive to saidarm; the device comprising an electric signal, a circuit for the signal,a switch in the circuit, said switch being mounted in the body andarranged to close in response to the breaker arm opening the breakerpoints, a separate switch in the circuit, and means actuated by thedistributor shaft arranged to close the separate switch simultaneouslywith said first named switch only when the distributor is outof-time.

9. An out-of-time signal device for an internal combustion engineincluding an adjustable ignition distributor having a driven distributorshaft, a body into which the shaft projects axially, a. breaker arm inthe body actuated from the shaft, and breaker points responsive to saidarm; the device comprising an electric signal, a circuit for the signal,a switch in the circuit, said switch being mounted in the body andincluding one point on the breaker arm, such switch being arranged toclose in response to the breaker arm moving to open the breaker points,a separate switch in the circuit, the distributor body being rotatablyadjustable, a mount normally fixed relative to the adjustable body, theseparate switch being mounted on the support, a rotor on the distributorshaft, and an actuating element of said separate switch projecting intothe path of said rotor at a point such that the rotor causes closing ofsaid separate switch simultaneously with closing of said first namedswitch only when the distributor is out-of-time.

10. A signal device, as in claim 9, including a fixed housing about aportion of the distributor shaft; said support being a bracket, andmeans securing the bracket to the housing in adjustable relationcircumferentially of the distributor shaft.

11. An out-of-time signal device for an internal combustion engineincluding an adjustable ignition distributor having distributor shaftactuated breaker points, an electric signal, an energizing circuit forthe signal, a switch in the circuit,- means responsive to actuation ofthe breaker points arranged to close the switch, a pair of separateswitches interposed in parallel in the circuit in series relative tosaid first named switch, means mounting said separate switches adjacentthe distributor, and means actuated by the distributor shaft arranged toclose said separate switches in sequence as said shaft rotates; one orthe other of said switches closing simultaneously with said first namedswitch only when the distributor is out-of-time.

12. An out-of-time signal device for an internal combustion engineincluding a distributor having a driven distributor shaft, a body intowhich the shaft extends axially, the body being adjustable about theshaft, a breaker arm mounted in the body actuated from the shaft, andbreaker points in the body actuated by said breaker arm; the devicecomprising an electric signal, a circuit for the signal, a switchmounted in the body responsive to the breaker arm and arranged to closeupon opening of the breaker points, said switch being interposed in thecircuit, a rotor on the shaft, a separate switch in the circuit, meansmounting the separate switch adjacent the distributor but independentlyof the adjustable body, and an actuating element of said separate switchprojecting into the path of the rotor at a point such that the rotorcauses closing of said separate switch simultaneously with closing ofsaid first named switch only when the distributor is out-of-time.

13. A signal device, as in claim 12, in which said mounting meansincludes a bracket secured outside the body, the latter having a slottherein, and said actuating element of the separate switch projectingthrough the slot for rotor engagement.

14. A signal device, as in claim 13, in which the bracket is secured foradjustment circumferentially of the distributor shaft.

15. An out-of-time signal device for an internal combustion engineincluding a distributor having a driven distributor shaft, 2. body intowhich the shaft extends axially, the body being adjustable about theshaft, a breaker arm mounted in the body actuated from the shaft, andbreaker points in the body actuated by said breaker arm; the devicecomprising an electric signal, a circuit for the signal, a switchmounted in the body responsive to the breaker arm and arranged to closeupon opening of the breaker points, said switch being interposed in thecircuit, a pair of separate switches connected in parallel in thecircuit in series relative to said first named switch. a mount fixedrelative to but adjacent the body, the latter having a slot therein,said separate switches being secured on the mount and including switchactuating elements projecting in adjacent but circumferentially spacedrelation through the slot toward the shaft in the body, and a rotor onthe shaft in the body including a part adapted to recurringly andsuccessively engage said elements and close said separate switches, theclosing of either of said switches simultaneously with the closing ofthe first named switch occurring only when the distributor isout-of-time.

16. A distributor timing indicator comprising in combination with adistributor which includes a distributor make and break arm operatingthe breaker points of the distributor, a separate nort0naand beingc1osedvby4the actionxof said armrs each time vdme?"oreaker.:p iIits of:the distributorm are'open, a separateiarm rotating-insynchronism-:1withwtheamake and break @arm of the distributor; and me'ans 3:011 saidseparate' arm operative "to REFERENCES- 1 1 close rthe: said secondswitch :simultaneously with o 1 the closi-ng of-vthe said first switchwhenxthe-dis tributor-jisopera-ting:out ofproper time, whereby to.-.then:,c1ose.;the circuit and :operate the-signal- DIAMONDW;

